Philadelphia Eagles: Birds' off-field distractions, Herremans out

The Eagles have lost four straight games and are 3-5 this season largely because of his propensity for giveaways.

Vick often talks about controlling what he can control. That means getting his house totally in order, starting with his younger brother Marcus.

While Vick was concerned about the controversial tweets Marcus delivered Monday night, it took a while to grasp the entire story. Marcus Vick (@MFFive) created an off-the-field furor during the Eagles-Saints game starting with this tweet:

The younger Vick, 28, a proficient quarterback at Virginia Tech until he was released from the program in Jan. 2006 for what school officials said was due to a cumulation of Vick’s misdemeanor offenses and traffic arrests, along with some on-field controversies, tweeted critically about the Eagles’ pass protection.

This not even an NFL type of O-line. What happen to the hogs the Eagles had last year and year before? Call Winston Justice back n Jamal J

The tweets hit cyberspace while Vick was in the process of being sacked seven times during the 28-13 loss to the New Orleans Saints.

The protection issues underscored what has been a difficult season for Michael Vick and an offensive line battered by injuries. To be sure everyone knows Marcus Vick was speaking for himself, Vick addressed the matter.

“It’s different when you say ‘we’ than ‘I’ Bro,” Vick said. “Some people are probably saying, ‘Hey, they’re conspiring together.’ You know what I mean? Is this a conversation from the past? I totally understand. Don’t speak for me, Bro. I’m living in this. I let him have it, man.”

The earlier tweet referenced former Eagles offensive linemen Winston Justice, starting for the 5-3 Indianapolis Colts, and Jamaal Jackson, who is retired.

The Eagles need help up front as left guard Evan Mathis is the only healthy starter from the group that finished the 2011 season strong. The line’s problems were exacerbated Monday night, when the Eagles lost right tackle Todd Herremans to what the team is calling a “rare” foot injury.

Herremans has a dislocated cuboid bone, the longest toe on his right foot. He also has ligament damage and a slight tendon strain in the foot.

Demetress Bell practiced at left tackle Wednesday and King Dunlap moved to right tackle, according to reports from players. The Eagles gave both linemen snaps at the other tackle spots, respectively, just in case there’s another injury.

Barring another issue, Bell is going to stick on the left side. When he took over at right tackle in New Orleans, it was his first time at the position. Rookie Dennis Kelly is going to stay at right guard. Newly signed Julian Vandervelde got snaps at guard and center.

Vick is no stranger to playing through injuries to offensive linemen. This, however, is new.

“I never have played behind a line that’s had to shuffle so many guys in and out,” Vick said. “But it’s part of the game. It’s one of those seasons where you’re nicked-up and guys have got to step up. Guys have got to step up and play. We watched the film. We prepare. Coaches can’t do but so much. We’ve all got to put it all together.”

Vick has 14 of the Eagles’ 19 giveaways. Incredibly 14 of those 19 team turnovers came in enemy territory. Vick has 11 of them, and he has five of the Eagles’ six turnovers in the red zone, having thrown two interceptions and putting the ball on the ground three times.

To beat the Cowboys, the Eagles almost certainly must play turnover-free.

And together.The together theme cannot be understated. Putting a halt to outside distractions is a starting point.

Vick guaranteed his younger brother won’t stir it up again.

“I definitely got that corrected,” Vick said. “You’ll never see that again.”